The Theme Of Fate Vs. Free Will In Macbeth

1435 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Symbolism used in William Shakespeare's Macbeth

Does fate determine the outcome of our lives, or do we make our own fate through our actions? William Shakespeare never outright answers this question in his play Macbeth, but the theme of “fate vs. free will” permeates nearly every aspect and situation encountered during Macbeth’s pursuit of the throne. The theme of “fate vs. free will” is evident in three scenes: the captain 's speech concerning Macbeth 's victory against MacDonwal, the dagger monologue, and Banquo 's reflection on fate.

In the second scene of act one, the captain is speaking to king Duncan about Macbeth’s victory over MacDonwal’s troops (I.ii.8). The captain describes the events that occurred directly before this speech where Macbeth overcame all odds posed against him,
Macbeth disdains fortune (I.ii.17), meaning he looks down on fortune with disgust and contempt, which is important because it provides a look into the attitude Macbeth has toward fate in general. Personification is evident in this passage, as fortune is being given the qualities and performing actions of a person, such as smiling like a whore, which is important because it shows how fate was on the enemy 's side so completely (I.ii.15). William Shakespeare chose to use this form of figurative language because it shows Fortune making an active choice to be on the opposing side of Macbeth, which only makes Macbeth’s victory (I.ii.18) more triumphant, which is an adequate use of symbolism. The captain’s speech invokes a sense of pride and admiration for Macbeth by portraying him as the gallant hero of the play. Instead, Macbeth becomes the corrupt protagonist after he receives the witches’ prophecies (I.iii.49-70). This relates to the theme of “fate vs. freewill” because it demonstrate that even when fate is completely against Macbeth, he still gets what he wants through actions of his free will, which makes it even more evident that the events in Macbeth are a result of Macbeth’s conscious pursuit of power, not just

Show More
Related

  • The Impact of Free Will in William Shakespeare's Macbeth

    1181 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...his wife caused Macbeth to kill the King, kill his best friend Banquo, and kill his counterpart Macduff’s family. These choices eventually caused his downfall; in the form of a beheading by Macduff. The concept of fate against free will is often examined in Macbeth, which is what Shakespeare wanted people to do, and in real life. Many people believe that everyone controls their own destiny; that the outcome of their life is based upon the decisions they make. Others conclude that people have a set path through life. Some conceive the idea that life is a mix of both, where people’s decisions have an impact on their life, just not on the outcome. The concept of “fate vs. free will” will continue to be examined, and plays like Shakespeare’s Macbeth allow people to do that.

    Read More

  • Quotes About Gender Roles In Macbeth

    1188 Words  | 3 Pages

    While the fate of the characters have all been planned, the paths they take are still of free will. In the introduction, we first hear the captain praising “brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name) / Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel, / Which smoked with bloody execution” (1.2). In these lines, the captain makes it sound like Macbeth is able to evade fate and fortune and escape death using his own abilities.

    Read More

  • The Roles of Greed and Pride in Shakespeare's Macbeth

    1287 Words  | 3 Pages

    Because of the witches’ prophecies, Lady Macbeth’s ambition and Macbeth’s greed, Macbeth diverges from his values and principles, corrupting him and ultimately leading to his downfall. Because of their greed and pride, the characters in the Tragedy of Macbeth end up not only losing everything that was important to them, but also the path on life they had tried so hard to stay on. Greed and pride shatters the fate that one would have had, whether fate is defined as where one would want to end up, or as where one will end up at.

    Read More

  • Macbeth: Fate vs Free Will

    1200 Words  | 3 Pages

    Fate vs Free Will is one of the most oft used literary techniques in writing. It is never more evident than in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. The major theme of the story Macbeth is whether or not the story is fueled by the free will of Macbeth, or by his fate. Are the events in Macbeth a result of his mentality and outlook on life, or were they going to happen no matter what? Almost every major event that takes place can be traced back to this question. It can be viewed in different ways, and most people have their own opinions. Dissecting this question is a part of what makes teaching Macbeth still have so much value to this day. But there is a clear answer to this question upon further dissection. The story of Macbeth is fueled by his free will, which he perceives to be a necessary part of achieving his fate.

    Read More

  • Free Will And Free Will In The Tragedy Of Macbeth

    1882 Words  | 4 Pages

    In the play The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the character Macbeth acts on free will as opposed to fate. The definition of free will is having the ability to make a choice; including the possession of options, logical reasoning for choosing each option, as well as understanding the consequences of each decision. Macbeth obeys all the criteria, using “fate” as an excuse to act like a murder-crazy lunatic, ultimately resulting in his demise.

    Read More

  • Fate in Macbeth

    988 Words  | 2 Pages

    Fate can be defined many different ways. Webster's Dictionary defines fate as a power that supposedly predetermines events. Fate is synonymous to the word destiny, which suggests that events are unavoidable and unchangeable. Whatever happens in life is meant to be and cannot be changed by mankind. In Shakespeare's Macbeth, fate plays an important role in the lives of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and Banquo.

    Read More

  • Why Do We Have Power In Macbeth

    1620 Words  | 4 Pages

    “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson describes Macbeth’s character. He decides to do evil acts and crimes, consequently, he was killed. By deciding to be an awful, evil person, Macbeth’s destiny was doomed to be disastrous all along, and ends with him beheaded. The characters in the play only influenced him to do certain wrongdoing, but they could not change his destiny, only he could do that by changing his own actions.

    Read More

  • The Problem of Power in Shakespeare's Macbeth

    1090 Words  | 3 Pages

    Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel. Which smoked with bloody execution. Till he unseamed him from the nave to th' chops. And fixed his head upon our battlements (Acts I, Scenes, II, Lines 17- 23). In his speech, the Captain describes Macbeth's violence to indicate what a good warrior he is thus showing that he has respect for Macbeth.

    Read More

  • The Influence Of Fate In Macbeth

    1007 Words  | 3 Pages

    How much of an influence does fate have on the ideals of a person? Is Macbeth acting out the selfish desires of his own accord? Fate is thought to be unavoidable, and all the paths of life lead to a destiny that is inescapable. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, not only is Macbeth’s hand forced in committing a murder, his fate is expedited in the process. Macbeth is in control of his own destiny, but is spurned into decisions by the Witches and his wife. Although Macbeth believes he is controlled by fate, a more thorough inspection reveals his control over all his actions.

    Read More

  • Macbeth: Predestination or Free Will?

    1031 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the context of the fictional story of Macbeth, it is hard to argue that fate was not controlling his life and actions. Many prophecies were made that seemed impossible at first, but each one came true and things happened as expected, though maybe not in the exact way or at the exact time that they were thought to. It is pretty clear throughout the narrative that the concept of fate prevails in the context of Macbeth, but once these beliefs are placed into the realm of the real world, there is a lot more room for argument. Things in real life are less certain, and there are many variables that can affect a person’s opinion on this matter. Ultimately, it comes down to a personal decision that everyone exercises their freedom of choice on to establish what they believe.

    Read More

  • Essay On Fate And Free Will In Macbeth

    769 Words  | 2 Pages

    Fate and free will both have a strong rooting in the play Macbeth. The role of fate was to tell Macbeth that he was one day to become king of Scotland. Fate was not the cause of Macbeth’s downfall. The actions made under Macbeth’s free will are the sole reason for his own downfall. Macbeth was afraid that he might not become king, so he took matters into his own hands to be absolutely sure he would attain the throne. He decided to leave out chance and take the throne for himself by killing Duncan. By leaving out chance, Macbeth left out the chance for fate to bring his downfall.

    Read More

  • Macbeth Free Will Quotes

    743 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the tragedy “Macbeth,” written by William Shakespeare, Macbeths free will is shown as he tries to take what is his. “Macbeth” is about a Scottish troop (Macbeth) and his friend Banquo. Macbeth and Banquo meet three witches whom tell them about a prophecy that involves Macbeth and Banquo’s son. One of the prophecies was that Macbeth would become king. The prophecy makes Macbeth’s mind corrupted making him pursue dark actions to overthrow King Duncan. Macbeth’s free will is exhibited by the way he has the inspiration to control what he does throughout the tragedy. People may say that it is fate because the prophecy states that Macbeth will be king, but it also states that Banquo’s sons will be kings in

    Read More

  • Blind Ambition in Macbeth

    855 Words  | 2 Pages

    Macbeth’s blind ambition leads him to surrender to his dark desires that taunt him throughout the play. Macbeth is frequently tempted to result to the wrongful methods that seem to roam inside of him. In the beginning however Macbeth tends to ignore these desires and depends on chance. He declares “if chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, without my stir” (Shakespeare, act 1, scene 3, 143-144). This declaration by Macbeth shows his initial stand, which is reliant on fate and sin free. Yet as Macbeth’s character develops throughout the play, he moves farther from his dependence on chance and closer to his darker desires. Eventually his blind ambition to become king overp...

    Read More

  • Banquo And Free Will Analysis

    1044 Words  | 3 Pages

    It has been said that one’s fate lies in one’s own hands; however, when one tries to use free will to rush this fate, the consequences are dire. In the tragedy, Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the character Banquo as a foil to Macbeth to highlight the differences in their personalities and actions. Banquo embodies the belief that fate should run its course; in this way, Banquo represents nature. On the other hand, Macbeth utilizes free will to try to rush time to reach his fate faster. These characteristics are displayed as Macbeth and Banquo hear their fates from the witches and act in response to those prophecies throughout the play. The distinct characteristics of the two demonstrate the clash between fate and free will throughout Macbeth.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Deception In Macbeth

    1043 Words  | 3 Pages

    Many people throughout the play are faced with fate and fate determines the success and worth of there actions. One who is most prominently faced with fate is Macbeth. After his multitude of deceptive and betraying actions it becomes his fate for all that he is done. Macduff speaks on this as he proclaims “Hail, king! For so thou art. Behold where stands the usurper’s cursed head. The time is

    Read More

More about The Theme Of Fate Vs. Free Will In Macbeth

Open Document